Twitter for physicians
Since a portion of my web traffic originates from the medical community, I’ve decided to provide an update on a web technology that you’ve all probably heard about, Twitter. We see links to Twitter on websites, news links, and even television ads. Just what does this ubiquitous, cute bird do, and what role can he play in the medical field?
Those of you using Facebook are also probably wondering whether Twitter is any different from your Status. Well, the truth is, it’s not. To take a step back, Twitter serves as a one-way bulletin board. You can post whatever you want on it for the world to see, but others cannot write on your bulletin. Your viewer do not require an account on Twitter, nor do they ever have to log in. In contrast, your status page on Facebook can only be viewed by your designated friends.
The strength of Twitter lies in its accessibility. The owner can post links via SMS, website, email, desktop application, or portable application. It is concise, and viewable by the public with any of the aforementioned posting media. Your followers can receive automated updates on your bulletin. Therefore, it is an expedient means of communication.
I first saw the use of Twitter in medicine from Henry Ford Hospital, where they broadcasted updates directly from the OR. This was innovative, because it was a means for the public to become involved in the operating room. Imagine receving real-time updates on the carotid endarterectomy from OR #12:
“The shunt has been bridged!”
“EEG shows activity!”
“The resident calls for the yellow-tails!”
I would certainly try to incorporate the medium in my OR. Twitter’s application can also be extended beyond the OR. You can post updates from the clinic via Twitter.
“Dr. is running late today.”
“Two openings at 4:15pm today. Okay to walk in.”
The key is, of course, not to abuse posts to the extent that your patients become sick of getting updates. There is certainly a fine balance to be had. That’s it. Go to Twitter.com. Open an account. Play with it. In the meantime, you can follow my Twitter, also viewable on the side column. Real-time. Real news. Good stuff. If you have questions, contact me.
Update (4/23/09; 9:07pm): Mayo Clinic has even jumped onto the Twitter bandwagon, holding a webcast presentation on Twittering. Great stuff.